Ch. 2 - Adult Leaders with Children Speak Up

How did you relate to this chapter? Do you identify with the authors' assertion that, "our world is moving and changing rapidly, and we often get caught up in the urgent at the expense of the important?" Do you feel that it's often hard for you to give children the priority they need and deserve? How can you make an adjustment, in your life, so that this can change?

The authors also talk about our need, as adult leaders of children, for training. What training are you needing, at this stage of your teaching/leading?

• Are you needing more information about the psychological or sociological needs and stages of the children with which you work?
• Are you wanting better guidance when using your curriculum?
• Do you need more materials for your classroom?
• What other support would you like, if you could have anything?

The authors tell us, "We should share with others what God is doing in our lives through our contacts with children." When is the last time you did this?

It's so easy for us to share the "cute" kids stories, or the funny stories from a classroom. But, how often do we tell people how these children have touched our hearts? How often do we even stop to think that these little ones can speak for God and make a beautiful difference to us in our own faith journeys? How often do we tell the children what they mean to us?

Look at the questions at the end of this chapter. Consider them carefully. They go straight to the heart of our ministry with children.

I'm pondering VERY carefully. And praying hard for our kids!

Tamalyn